South Africa has accused Zimbabwe of “killing business” over border delays for haulage trucks at Beitbridge.
Queues stretching for as long as 10 kilometers have developed in South Africa since October 6 after a company awarded a contract to upgrade the border on the Zimbabwean side introduced shock new toll fees without notice.
Zimborders Consortium was granted a US$300 million contract to build new terminal buildings for trucks, buses and light motor vehicles without going to tender. The company has decided to do the construction in phases, with the freight terminal the first to be completed.
The company, headed by an alleged “acolyte” of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Glynn Cohen, immediately started collecting new access toll fees of up to US$344, depending on the size of the truck.
South Africa’s home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi said Zimbabwe did not warn it of the changes, and many drivers were caught by surprise. Zimbabwe’s clearance processes also remained slow, he said.
Motsoaledi said Zimbabwe was making a “mockery” of African trade. Beitbridge is a gateway to other regional markets including Zambia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The congestion is being caused by the continued construction on the Zimbabwean side. It looks like their construction has now reached a difficult point without them making any arrangements for parking space, so they don’t allow lots of trucks from South Africa on their side because they have got no parking space where they will process their trucks,” Motsoaledi told eNCA on Tuesday.
“The second thing which has been there for a long time, but becomes worse during the end of the year when lots of people pass, is the absence of the registry clearance on the Zimbabwean side. You know it’s also exacerbated by the unavailability of clearing agents at night. On the South African side, they clear upstream and only require agents and it’s not happening on the Zimbabwean side.
“Thirdly, Zimbabwe has introduced a toll fee of US$201 for small trucks and US$344 for abnormal trucks and they demand this money in cash which means some truck drivers have to park their trucks. We have been negotiating with the Zimbabweans that even if we can’t stop them from levying that, at least they must accept electronic payments and up to October 17 they were still taking cash and we hope things will improve because we have spoken to them.”
Motsoaledi said he had tried several times to call his home affairs counterpart in Zimbabwe, Kazembe Kazembe, “and the response I get is that it has not been successful.”
He blasted: “The situation makes a mockery of the African Union free trade agreement (African Continental Free Trade Area). I’m sure you are aware the African Union signed this Africa free trade agreement with a lot of gusto and it was publicised all over. You know that Beitbridge is the gateway between South Africa and the rest of the continent.
“It’s a mockery that a country can make unilateral measures without even warning us. It’s extremely frustrating and it’s killing business between South Africa and the rest of the continent.
“One was hoping that Zimbabwe will be aware of the implications of the African agreement and what it means, but unfortunately it looks like it’s not so with our neighbours.”
Zimborders Consortium’s concession signed with Zimbabwe says the company will raise the finance for the border upgrade, and then run the facility for 17-and-a-half years while collecting toll fees to recoup its money.
Critics say the project was overpriced, and accuse Zimborders of only raising US$47 million, and then hoping to finance future construction from the toll fees it has rushed to impose.
“This is a huge extraction project that will cause major prejudice to Zimbabwe. Glyn Cohen is amongst a coterie of elite looters that are bleeding Zimbabwe or have bled Zimbabwe, aided and abated by Zanu PF’s patronage system,” claims former finance minister and MDC Alliance vice president Tendai Biti.
He added: “The Beitbridge border project, granted to an acolyte without tender, should not cost more than US$45 million.”
With an average 1,000 trucks passing through Beitbridge daily, and each paying an average US$201, that would translate to about US$73 million every year, or US$1.24 billion in 17 years.
Zimborders has not said how much buses and light motor vehicles will pay as access toll fees when the two outstanding terminals are completed. On average, 3,500 light motor vehicles and 120 buses buses pass through the border daily, which could push Zimborders’ revenues from toll fees alone to well over US$2 billion in the 17 years – a sweet deal.
Info News
Best Mesothelioma Lawyer: How Asbestos Claims Work
Mesothelioma is a rare and serious cancer often linked to asbestos exposure. Many people who develop mesothelioma were exposed years earlier while working in construction, shipyards, factories, power plants, military service, or older buildings. Because the disease can take decades to appear, many victims do not realize where the exposure happened.
A mesothelioma lawyer helps victims and families pursue compensation from companies that manufactured, sold, or used asbestos products. These cases are different from regular injury claims because they often involve old job records, product history, medical evidence, and special asbestos trust funds.
One reason mesothelioma cases are important is the high cost of treatment. Patients may face surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, travel costs, lost income, and long-term care needs. Compensation may help cover medical bills, household expenses, pain and suffering, and support for surviving family members.
A good mesothelioma attorney will investigate where and how the exposure happened. This may include reviewing work history, military records, union records, product lists, job sites, and company documents. Many asbestos companies knew the risks but failed to properly warn workers and consumers.
There are different ways to seek compensation. Some victims may qualify for asbestos trust fund claims. Others may file a lawsuit against responsible companies. In some cases, family members may file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one to mesothelioma.
Timing is very important. Each state has a deadline called a statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you may lose the right to file a claim. That is why many families contact a lawyer soon after diagnosis.
The best mesothelioma lawyer should have experience handling asbestos cases, access to exposure databases, strong medical knowledge, and a clear fee structure. Most work on a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if compensation is recovered.
Mesothelioma is devastating, but victims may have legal rights. If asbestos exposure caused the illness, a specialized lawyer can help families pursue justice and financial support.
DUI With CDL: Why Commercial Drivers Need Legal Help Fast
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DUI With CDL: Why Commercial Drivers Need Legal Help Fast
For a commercial driver, a DUI is not just a criminal case. It can threaten your career.
A commercial driver’s license is a livelihood. If you drive a truck, bus, delivery vehicle, or other commercial vehicle, a DUI charge can affect employment, insurance, licensing, and future job opportunities.
That is why commercial drivers should speak with a CDL DUI lawyer quickly after an arrest.
Why CDL DUI Cases Are Different
Commercial drivers are often held to stricter standards than regular drivers.
A DUI can create problems even if:
You were driving your personal vehicle
You were off duty
No accident happened
It was a first offense
Your employer has not been notified yet
The consequences can include CDL disqualification, job loss, and difficulty getting hired later.
Lower Alcohol Limits for Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers operating commercial motor vehicles are generally subject to stricter alcohol rules than regular drivers. Federal safety rules and state laws may impose lower BAC standards for CDL holders while operating commercial vehicles.
Because CDL law is technical, speak with a lawyer familiar with both DUI defense and commercial driving rules.
Possible CDL Consequences
A DUI may lead to:
CDL disqualification
Loss of job
Higher insurance risk
Employer reporting issues
Difficulty finding future driving work
Required alcohol assessment
Criminal penalties
License suspension
Ignition interlock issues
A regular hardship license may not fully protect commercial driving privileges.
What If the DUI Happened in a Personal Vehicle?
This is one of the most important questions CDL holders ask.
In many situations, a DUI in a personal vehicle can still affect CDL privileges.
Do not assume your CDL is safe because you were not driving a commercial vehicle.
What Should a Commercial Driver Do After a DUI Arrest?
Take these steps:
Save all paperwork
Check court date
Check license deadlines
Do not miss hearings
Avoid discussing the case publicly
Do not drive if your license is suspended
Contact a DUI lawyer quickly
Ask about CDL-specific consequences
Review employer reporting rules
Evidence a CDL DUI Lawyer May Review
A lawyer may review:
Reason for the stop
Field sobriety tests
Breath test procedure
Blood test records
Officer report
Body camera video
License paperwork
Refusal allegation
Commercial driving status
Vehicle type
Employer records when relevant
Why Plea Decisions Matter
A plea that seems acceptable for a regular driver may be devastating for a CDL holder.
Before accepting any offer, a commercial driver should understand:
CDL disqualification
Employer consequences
Insurance consequences
Future hiring impact
State motor vehicle agency rules
Federal commercial driving implications
Can a CDL Driver Keep Working After a DUI?
It depends on the facts, license status, employer policy, and applicable law.
Some drivers may be immediately removed from driving duties. Others may continue temporarily while the case is pending, depending on license status and employer rules.
Do not drive commercially unless you are legally allowed to do so.
Final Thoughts
A DUI with a CDL can threaten your career, not just your record.
Commercial drivers should act quickly, protect deadlines, and speak with a lawyer who understands DUI defense and CDL consequences.
One wrong decision can affect years of income.
